Sep 8, 2017, 4:48 pm
Last edit by: thorofare
American Airlines "Special Fares" and EQD Earning
Link to aa.com Special fares: Earning Award Miles and Elite Qualifying Credits
"Special Fares" include some fares sold by other than AA, such as those sold in conjunction with a travel lodging package by AA Vacations, and those purchased with credit card points, such as Thank You Points and Membership Rewards points.
Like oneworld partner (and Alaska Airlines through 31 Dec 2017) fares, these earn Elite Qualifying Dollars based on a percentage of base miles / miles flown / flight distance and the fare class purchased.
Flights booked using Thank You Points, Membership Rewards, etc. where the cardholder is essentially buying your ticket most often are special fares as well.
NOTE: EQD credit varies for "Special Fares" (e.g. AA Vacations), and the chart for those changed on 1 Jan 2019. See here.
Link to aa.com Special fares: Earning Award Miles and Elite Qualifying Credits
"Special Fares" include some fares sold by other than AA, such as those sold in conjunction with a travel lodging package by AA Vacations, and those purchased with credit card points, such as Thank You Points and Membership Rewards points.
Like oneworld partner (and Alaska Airlines through 31 Dec 2017) fares, these earn Elite Qualifying Dollars based on a percentage of base miles / miles flown / flight distance and the fare class purchased.
Flights booked using Thank You Points, Membership Rewards, etc. where the cardholder is essentially buying your ticket most often are special fares as well.
NOTE: EQD credit varies for "Special Fares" (e.g. AA Vacations), and the chart for those changed on 1 Jan 2019. See here.
AA "Special Fare" (AA Vacations, TYP, MR, etc.) Questions, EQD, Issues (merged)
Mar 1, 2019, 1:07 pm
#421
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
Ive had cruises twice book me on an N fare, which shows on the chart as a normal fare. Both have come in as "special fares" distance based (on expensive tickets). I know cruises get bulk discounts, but I wish these fares were coded differently. It's as if they are trying to trick us. Is N fare always a cruise fare?
Apr 7, 2019, 9:18 am
#422
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: AA, Marriott
Posts: 3
Any good AA OTA/consolidator to use for an Asia - USA trip to get special faries?
Booking a trip from Nepal via hkg back to the states, round trip in business and first.....however ITA has it coming up as lowest fares via Cathay Dragon to HKG, and AA HKD to USA. This means it books out on AA as normal EQD and EQM.
Is there a good consolidator or OTA that can help me book this out for special fare/* instead? With Rm J, I booking codes would get 35% - 40% EQD on most legs (except the I leg), and 2x-3x EQM.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I an trying to keep my Chase points for a trip next year.
Is there a good consolidator or OTA that can help me book this out for special fare/* instead? With Rm J, I booking codes would get 35% - 40% EQD on most legs (except the I leg), and 2x-3x EQM.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I an trying to keep my Chase points for a trip next year.
Apr 7, 2019, 10:34 am
#423
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
In other words, the lowest consolidator fares will book into I and you will earn 20% EQD on the transpacific segment.
The best consolidators typically work through traditional travel agents...for ex-Asia fares, a local (i.e., Nepalese) travel agent is probably your best bet. US based consolidators will not have particularly attractive Asia originating fares, especially compared to some of the bargain premium fares available on a published basis.
Last edited by NYC Flyer; Apr 7, 2019 at 10:49 am
Apr 12, 2019, 3:18 pm
#424
was ShootinPutin11
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA-Plat, Hyatt-Globalist, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium, UA-Silver, DL-Silver
Posts: 131
I found flights on AA Vacations with Y*/P*, and I'm hoping to book them through an OTA/Amex MR/Citi TYP/Chase UR in order to avoid having to pay the minimum hotel nights (apparently it's 3 nights now).
I checked the exact same flights on Citi TYP but didn't see the terms bulk, wholesale, etc. on the terms and conditions for the flights.
Any advice on where I can book these flights and have them post as special fares? Thanks!
Apr 12, 2019, 3:31 pm
#425
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
A real (i.e., in the flesh) travel agent can get you consolidator fares and confirm the terms (bulk or non-bulk fare) prior to purchase based on the fare rules.
Last edited by NYC Flyer; Apr 12, 2019 at 4:10 pm
Apr 12, 2019, 4:31 pm
#426
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: AA, Marriott
Posts: 3
Sorry but dont think you can book any ex-USA flights on AA vacations - they need to originate in USA, not in KTM....at least cannot book on AA Vacations website -KTM-HKG-LAX/JFK/DFW, etc. Have you called AA vacations and able to book?
Apr 14, 2019, 6:44 pm
#427
was ShootinPutin11
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA-Plat, Hyatt-Globalist, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium, UA-Silver, DL-Silver
Posts: 131
You will probably not find an online source that is transparent about the fare type (not because they are being deceptive, it's just not their business model to advertise how EQDs are posted for specific flight options).
A real (i.e., in the flesh) travel agent can get you consolidator fares and confirm the terms (bulk or non-bulk fare) prior to purchase based on the fare rules.
Apr 16, 2019, 7:39 am
#428
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BGI | MIA
Programs: AA Platinum Pro | Hyatt Globalist | HH Diamond | SPG Gold
Posts: 316
Purchased P* tickets. Had a slight schedule change (10 min departure change ).
Completed travel and the stuff didn’t post correctly. It posted on Regular P special fare. Lower EQD and no class of service bonus.
went back through my email and the departure change email shows a different fare class then the original booking email. AA is refusing to give me P* credit.
Any suggestions ?
Completed travel and the stuff didn’t post correctly. It posted on Regular P special fare. Lower EQD and no class of service bonus.
went back through my email and the departure change email shows a different fare class then the original booking email. AA is refusing to give me P* credit.
Any suggestions ?
Apr 16, 2019, 7:44 am
#429
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: GNV
Programs: AA EP (life Gold), Global Entry, TSA Pre-Check, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 392
Purchased P* tickets. Had a slight schedule change (10 min departure change ).
Completed travel and the stuff didn’t post correctly. It posted on Regular P special fare. Lower EQD and no class of service bonus.
went back through my email and the departure change email shows a different fare class then the original booking email. AA is refusing to give me P* credit.
Any suggestions ?
Completed travel and the stuff didn’t post correctly. It posted on Regular P special fare. Lower EQD and no class of service bonus.
went back through my email and the departure change email shows a different fare class then the original booking email. AA is refusing to give me P* credit.
Any suggestions ?
Apr 16, 2019, 7:53 am
#430
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Purchased P* tickets. Had a slight schedule change (10 min departure change ).
Completed travel and the stuff didn’t post correctly. It posted on Regular P special fare. Lower EQD and no class of service bonus.
went back through my email and the departure change email shows a different fare class then the original booking email. AA is refusing to give me P* credit.
Any suggestions ?
Completed travel and the stuff didn’t post correctly. It posted on Regular P special fare. Lower EQD and no class of service bonus.
went back through my email and the departure change email shows a different fare class then the original booking email. AA is refusing to give me P* credit.
Any suggestions ?
You need to call AAdvantage Customer Service (not the normal reservations number). Tell the agent that your miles didn't post correctly, give them your trip info, and they will look into it and email you back. Best case they email you back and say it's fixed. Otherwise they will email you back and give you another excuse. If this happens, just reply to the email with a screenshot of your original confirmation showing P*, as well as a link to the aa.com special fares page.
I had a P* post regularly last year and this is the process I had to go through to get it posted correctly as a special fare. AA tried every excuse in the book (I upgraded with SWU, there was a schedule change, the program changed last year, blah blah blah) but after about the 3rd reply they finally corrected it to special fare. I just kept replying with the same screenshot of my confirmation and link to aa.com.
Apr 16, 2019, 3:30 pm
#431
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BGI | MIA
Programs: AA Platinum Pro | Hyatt Globalist | HH Diamond | SPG Gold
Posts: 316
Who are you contacting at AA and what is the reason they gave you?
You need to call AAdvantage Customer Service (not the normal reservations number). Tell the agent that your miles didn't post correctly, give them your trip info, and they will look into it and email you back. Best case they email you back and say it's fixed. Otherwise they will email you back and give you another excuse. If this happens, just reply to the email with a screenshot of your original confirmation showing P*, as well as a link to the aa.com special fares page.
I had a P* post regularly last year and this is the process I had to go through to get it posted correctly as a special fare. AA tried every excuse in the book (I upgraded with SWU, there was a schedule change, the program changed last year, blah blah blah) but after about the 3rd reply they finally corrected it to special fare. I just kept replying with the same screenshot of my confirmation and link to aa.com.
You need to call AAdvantage Customer Service (not the normal reservations number). Tell the agent that your miles didn't post correctly, give them your trip info, and they will look into it and email you back. Best case they email you back and say it's fixed. Otherwise they will email you back and give you another excuse. If this happens, just reply to the email with a screenshot of your original confirmation showing P*, as well as a link to the aa.com special fares page.
I had a P* post regularly last year and this is the process I had to go through to get it posted correctly as a special fare. AA tried every excuse in the book (I upgraded with SWU, there was a schedule change, the program changed last year, blah blah blah) but after about the 3rd reply they finally corrected it to special fare. I just kept replying with the same screenshot of my confirmation and link to aa.com.
i’ll have to try that then. I contacted advantage customer service and they told me it was posted correctly. I kept asking to send them the email from AA vacations showing P*. They finally escalated it this afternoon after the 3rd phone call to customer service.
Will update with what happens
Apr 17, 2019, 4:20 pm
#432
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BGI | MIA
Programs: AA Platinum Pro | Hyatt Globalist | HH Diamond | SPG Gold
Posts: 316
Received an email after the mileage credit desk reviewed it and ruled that it was posted correctly.
They are still refusing to credit the fare correctly , and screwing me on the class of service bonus.
I replied to the email with another copy of the itinerary
will see see what happens
They are still refusing to credit the fare correctly , and screwing me on the class of service bonus.
I replied to the email with another copy of the itinerary
will see see what happens
Apr 17, 2019, 5:53 pm
#433
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 181
I have the same question, but haven't seen an answer yet.
I found flights on AA Vacations with Y*/P*, and I'm hoping to book them through an OTA/Amex MR/Citi TYP/Chase UR in order to avoid having to pay the minimum hotel nights (apparently it's 3 nights now).
I checked the exact same flights on Citi TYP but didn't see the terms bulk, wholesale, etc. on the terms and conditions for the flights.
Any advice on where I can book these flights and have them post as special fares? Thanks!
I found flights on AA Vacations with Y*/P*, and I'm hoping to book them through an OTA/Amex MR/Citi TYP/Chase UR in order to avoid having to pay the minimum hotel nights (apparently it's 3 nights now).
I checked the exact same flights on Citi TYP but didn't see the terms bulk, wholesale, etc. on the terms and conditions for the flights.
Any advice on where I can book these flights and have them post as special fares? Thanks!
Apr 17, 2019, 8:44 pm
#434
was ShootinPutin11
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA-Plat, Hyatt-Globalist, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium, UA-Silver, DL-Silver
Posts: 131
Thanks for the context! Good to know that TYP isn't as reliable as they used to be for consolidator fares.
Apr 18, 2019, 6:24 pm
#435
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BGI | MIA
Programs: AA Platinum Pro | Hyatt Globalist | HH Diamond | SPG Gold
Posts: 316
I have a question.
I have attached an itinerary receipt from AA vacations.
which chart should I be earning on ?
EQM : 1.5X EQD : 20% Class of Service : 0%
or EQM : 1.5X EQD : 25% Class of service : 25%
AA is stating that I should be earning off the first chart listed on the special fares page but as I understand it. I should be earning the P* fare unavailable chart as I was never shown the fare breakdown.
I purchased a 3 day throw away hotel to get a discount on the airfare.
I have attached an itinerary receipt from AA vacations.
which chart should I be earning on ?
EQM : 1.5X EQD : 20% Class of Service : 0%
or EQM : 1.5X EQD : 25% Class of service : 25%
AA is stating that I should be earning off the first chart listed on the special fares page but as I understand it. I should be earning the P* fare unavailable chart as I was never shown the fare breakdown.
I purchased a 3 day throw away hotel to get a discount on the airfare.